Philippines

Legazpi: To help overcome the struggles and difficulties of language and culture barriers in the local area the Cooperators, Novice Master and novices organized a camping trip on February 24th for children from Purok 6. The program started with heavy rain, a sign of blessing from God, for this inaugural event. The children and their parents enjoyed putting up tents, games, cooking, swimming and so forth. The adventure came to a close by Fr. Sagayaraj thanking God for the joyful and exhausting day.

Legazpi: Fr. Soosai Rathinam, Provincial Superior visited Legazpi during the Local Assembly Meeting in Manila. Fr. Soosai visited February 22nd – 23rd. During his stay, he shared with the novices the the main points which were discussed during the provincial chapter meeting. He listened to their feelings, opinions, and difficulties after their first six months at the novitiate house. He also listened the confreres and their struggles, sharing their sentiments in the service of the Lord. In the presence of staff, residents, priests, novices and builders, Fr. Soosai dedicated the new guest house after five months of construction.

Legazpi: The Servants of Charity community performed an act of charity on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, February 2nd. They gave a helping hand to relieve the burden of the evacuees of a natural disaster, the Mayon volcanic eruption. The evacuees received rice, milk and biscuits which are their primary needs while they remain at the evacuation center.

Legazpi – On December 19th the Servants of Charity celebrated Christmas and the end of 2017 in the presence of Fr. Dong, SdC, Fr. David, SdC, and Fr. Sagayaraj, SdC, opened a year-end Christmas Party to give thanks to the staffs who have dedicated themselves to the service of the community. Practically, gifts could not be absent from the party because they are a sign of bringing good luck and joy to others.

Legazpi – As the fruit of a long period of preparation, on December 22nd, the novices helped bring a little joy to the children of Purok 6, with a Christmas Party at the Pavilion of Harong Kan Sagrada Familia. To start the party, Fr. David, SdC, celebrated Holy Mass with Fr. Sagayaraj SdC, in the presence of benefactors and friends. We gathered the poor children of Purok 6 to organize them to play games, dance, sing and give them a place to have a party. The children were overwhelmed with happiness and joy, carrying gifts in their hands. We were delighted to organize this event to let them know that God never abandons them.

Legazpi – The jubilation continued for several days when the Annual STEP Christmas Party was celebrated with the families of our students. The traditional “Nativity-Tableau” performed by the “good children” solemnly opened the program of the day. At the same time, the Physical Therapy department celebrated their Christmas Party with patients who had been coming for treatment. Soon the merrymaking began with Christmas songs, dances and games to give life to everyone. There was never a dull moment, although there was stormy weather outside. The simple joys of gift giving filled everyone’s hearts with gratitude for the coming of the Lord Jesus who is the source of all joys and hopes.

Legazpi – An Advent Recollection, General Assembly and Christmas Party was held at St. Agnes Academy for all religious communities in the Legazpi Diocese. Most Rev. Monsignor Weng started the recollection by sharing the meaning of the Advent season. He summarized and addressed the readings and Gospels during Advent. Mass was the next activity, presided by the Most Rev. Joel. Z. Baylon, D.D. After that, every member finalized the regulations and the name of the new organization. At the end of the event, everyone exchanged gifts with one another.

Legazpi – Throughout history there have been supernatural apparitions and signs that go to the heart of human events. The message of Fatima is still lively evidence to the world of an urgent call to conversion and penance to draw us to the heart of the Gospel. On December 6th, the Diocesan Commission on Youth and World Apostolate of Fatima organized a show named FATIMA@100 for the benefit of the Diocesan Commission on Youth – Legazpi. The show recounted the apparitions of Fatima and helped residents, novices and priests gain a universal understanding of the event. Furthermore, the event helped to strengthen and empower our belief in the power of the Rosary and in the warning of Our Lady’s message to the world.

Legazpi – The holidays were here again which made our children and youth with special needs rejoice when they rendered a musical skit, sang carols and played their musical instruments during the program during our observance of National Catholic Disability Day December 3rd held at Harong Kan Sagrada Familia. They not only enjoyed mingling with other persons with disabilities from different Special Education Centers in Legazpi City, but they were also grateful for the goodies given as gifts from generous benefactors. It was worth the effort of the many days of practices in order to come up with a meaningful and enjoyable stage presentation. Indeed it was applauded and appreciated.

Legazpi – “Zumba” is the new fitness activity of the staff and members of SAGRADA FAMILIA which they are enjoying it with all their strength. They dance not only for relaxation, but they also to build relationships in the spirit of “SAGRADA FAMILIA”. There is no distinction between priests, seminarians, teachers, staff, social workers or therapists, but all are “Family”. We work not for our own good but for the common good of others, coming together as a community to improve the lives of those who are lacking in society.
On the occasion of the feast of Fr. Guanella, we also needed to acknowledge the staff at HKSF. Many of the staff were inspired by Fr. Guanella to dedicated themselves for this work of charity. The strong witness is the length of time which they have been working here in this community. Through many difficulties, challenges and lack of material goods in the very beginning, they and the Guanellian priests worked tirelessly to develop the community not only for the present but for the future good of all.